The successful “Get Lit” program, which gives out lights to Portland cyclists, is expanding into helmets. Community activist and Shift volunteer Jeff Bernards is spear-heading the program with his usual, “take it to the streets” style. Jeff, working with Shift to Bikes, has received a grant of $3380 through the ODOT funded, Community Cycling Center bike safety grant program.
Jeff has tried to provide free helmets to cyclists before, but previous grants allowed him only to pass out coupons which could be redeemed at local bike shops for $10 off a helmet. Unfortunately, only 10% of riders actually redeemed the coupons. This new grant will allow Jeff to bring about 400 helmets directly to those in need, on a custom-made trailer he plans to pick up this weekend.

Jeff hopes his helmet program echoes the success of his light program:

“I found that peer pressure (everyone has a light, but me) regarding light use has really increased their presence on the streets. Those who use lights now are the majority, I’m hoping that happens with the helmets too.”

Related Posts

NOTE: We love your comments and work hard to ensure they are productive, considerate, and welcoming of all perspectives. Disagreements are encouraged, but only if done with tact and respect. If you see a mean or inappropriate comment, please contact us and we'll take a look at it right away. Thank you — Jonathan

3 Comments

C3PNoMarch 28, 2006 at 11:09 am

I’ve started a personal program called Mirror Ya? whereby I purchase a mirror for a friend on the pretense that if they find it improves their (admittedly percieved) safety/security, they will purchase a mirror and pass it on to someone who might use one. I’ve said this before, but it irks me to see so much stress placed on injury reduction rather than injury prevention. Making peace with the motoristas starts with knowing where they’s at–at all times relevant to one’s safe maneuvering within a given traffic space. Admittedly, where traffic speed is reduced (hi couriers!), rear views are less relevant (though not irrelevant). Yet, on countless occassions I have avoided [potential] conflict by being able to read a driver’s “body language” before deciding to “share” a lane with them. If they are going to try to “rub” me, I’ll jump out and take the lane that is legally mine (or, yes, remove myself from the roadway for a short breather).

You wouldn’t drive a car without a mirror (or two). Put one on ya noggin an respek de visualimation in yo’s propellization. Knowledge is Powder. Actions speak louder than birds.